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Sunday, September 30, 2012

There. I said it. I want to write for that show. Amazing, fantastic show that it is, the only way I'd ever get even a smidgen of a shot at being a part for it would be as a writer. I mean, I have already written my own zombie-ish acpocalypse and I have ideas for others, so why not put them to good use? Because it's the only way if I'm going to get to be on this show.I can't act.I ain't no stunt woman.Camera's confuse me on the best of days.The idea of directing anyone is laughable, my own dogs don't listen to me, why would anyone else?Okay, maybe they could dress me up as a zombie, but that's a one shot deal.So, here we go. I could send them ideas. Like maybe killing off Carl. (Was that my outside voice?) And I'm not the only one who thinks killing him would be a good idea.Or how about some top less shots . . . of the men.

Now don't act like you ladies don't watch the show. My neighbour, who is in her fifties loves it, most of the women I know watch it and LOVE it. In fact, I know several women who have *ahem* expressed interest in seeing the above men with less clothes. I don't know if it would work on "The Walking Dead" but damn, why not ask?Feel free to leave a comment on the character you'd like to see "more" of, who knows, we might just get lucky. (Yes, the pun was intended)

Monday, September 24, 2012

That's the question of the day. I see people (I should say authors) putting up excerpts of their books, quite often as #SampleSundays but not only. With the KDP program, authors cannot put excerpts up on their blogs, (which seems odd seeing as it is a form of advertising) but that's a post for another day.What I want to know is, do you read excerpts? Ever? A little? Leave a comment, let's get a discussion going because I'd really like to know.Because I don't read excerpts. Ever. Not even my favorite authors. I read the blurb, maybe a few reviews and then decide. But maybe I'm missing the boat here. Of course, part of my reason for questioning is this . . .Before I put up my next books, before they go into the KDP select program and I can no longer share like this, would you like to see excerpts?Like from "The Chronicles of Sin: Gluttony" or my new Urban Fantasy "Priceless" or maybe even from my contemporary romance I've just started, "High Risk Love."Again, this is because I don't read excerpts, but maybe you do, and maybe you want to see more from me . . . (or less, I suppose that's possible too!)

Saturday, September 22, 2012

﻿﻿﻿ This is a post from last year that I decided to put up again. Why? Not only because Jen is a good friend, but because Amazon has taken down close to THIRTY of her reviews, leaving her with only NINE! Wow, that was a blow. So, I'm hoping that the book will intrigue you, and that you'll the time to leave this lovely writer, and person, a review. Now, on to the interview!

Jennifer Simas is the debut author of Until Dawn: Last Light. I've read the book and will be doing a review on it (as soon as I can find time!) but a sneak peak would be YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT! Oops, sorry about the caps, I get a little excited about this book. Really, it is well written, has a super fast pace and every supernatural monster you could want in it. Vampires, shifters, immortals, heroes, action and romance. You know what, just go and get it, at .99 it is a freaking steal! But, now, let me shut up, and let Jen tell you a little about herself, and her writing.

1. Jen, tell us a little about your book Until Dawn: Last Light. Do you have a favorite scene?

Until Dawn: Last Light is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy blend about a woman named Zoë who’s struggling to accept her immortality – and the end of the world. For the past six years, Zoë has been anything but “normal,” let alone human. The story follows her as she’s thrown into this war that’s been waging in the shadows for over a thousand years. Through the book, Zoë must find a way to become what she’s meant to be, joining the other Chosen to save what’s left of humanity. When the endless night falls over the Earth, the reader will find out if Zoë will be able to save the one man who reminds her what it is to be human or if will it be too late. It’s really a story of death and despair, love and longing, hope and hopelessness, and the ability to survive and keep going even when it seems impossible – when you want nothing more than to give up.

As far as my favorite scene goes, that’s a tough one. Almost as tough as making me pick out a favorite character – or child. I wrestled back and forth with this one, but I think it’s going to have to go to a scene from the end of chapter twenty-one. I can’t exactly explain it without giving anything away to new readers. It takes place in Zoë’s bedroom chamber in the castle in England and, let’s just say, it got a lot of great reactions out of readers and I had a blast writing it.

2. How long did it take you from your initial idea for the book until you actually started to write it?

I actually had a dream about the book while driving to the coast one afternoon – don’t worry, I wasn’t the one actually driving! That had to be back in my senior year of high school. I jotted down some notes back then and kind of put the project on the back burner for a while. I think I started writing the first draft (which was awful mind you) about a year or so later. From that point it probably took me about four years to finish the entire book. There were a lot of breaks in between each draft and the story has transformed drastically from then to now; in fact, it’d probably be unrecognizable.

3. What draws you to writing?

I’ve always been very passionate about writing; that is, aside from when I was younger and my dream was to have giant zoo in my backyard! I started at a very young age with poetry. That continued up until sophomore year of high school when one of my English teachers assigned us a short story project. I got the highest grade in the class and realized how much fun it was to create my own worlds and characters – I got to be the one to control how everything ended. It was exciting, to say the least! Shortly after that I started my very first novel about a group of kids that fell into a lake with an eerie history and started passing that out to my friends. When I saw their reactions and their need to know what happened next, I just knew that I had to write. And I have ever since!

Hm, come to think of it, I wonder if I still have that short story and novel anywhere. They’d both make for some fun YA books!

4. Which author do you find the most inspiring?

I’ll probably get a lot of crap for this, but as far as “most inspiring” goes, it has to be Stephenie Meyer. Not for her writing but for what she accomplished as a first time, debut author. She really achieved that goal that we all aspire to when we first start writing. We all want that major book deal, having millions of readers, seeing our characters portrayed on the big screen – we want our books to be read and loved and talked about. That could just be me, haha.

As far as writing goes, it’s a tie between Charlaine Harris; I’m a sucker for those bloodsuckers of hers, and Francine Rivers, who’s Redeeming Love influenced me to dabble in the world of romance.

I really enjoy writing while lying down in bed. It’s peaceful – perhaps a little too peaceful, haha. I usually get quite a bit for about the first 20-30 minutes before falling asleep. Maybe I just have one super comfy bed! As far as a productive position, it’d have to be snuggled up on the sofa with the laptop either sitting in my lap or, preferably, on a TV tray. As long as I have some great music play, I’m not too picky.

6. In your off time, what do you do for fun? Or is there such a thing as off time for you?

Hm, what is this “off time” you speak of? No, I actually do get off time, during which my brain is still going over new ideas for stories and characters. I guess that switch is hard to turn off for writers, I’m sure you know what that’s like, Shannon.

With how much of my time is spent sitting in front of a computer screen, I like to be as active as I can during my off time. I love water sports (swimming, wake boarding, etc.) I’m also big into rock climbing. As of late, if I’m not typing away at the computer, you could probably find me at my local rock climbing gym or in Yosemite 800 feet up on a mountain. There’s something extremely peaceful about being that high up. It is the ultimate escape.

5. Biggest supporter of you and your writing.

I’ve got some phenomenal friends that have supported my writing from the very start. Along the way, I’ve met some other authors that have also kept me going. My boyfriend has proved to be one of my biggest supporters. Not only in writing but also in life. Anytime I find myself at the end of my rope, ready to just give up, he’s been there to tie on a few extra feet. There was also another person who, in the early stages, made sure that I didn’t give up when I was going through the dreaded query process. This old friend gave me a framed picture, which I keep on my desk to this day, that reads: Persistence – now that we’ve exhausted all possibilities…let’s get started.

﻿

This is Jen, ain't she cute? :D

6.What are you planning next for your writing project? Can you tell us a little bit about it?

Right now, I’m really trying to focus on finishing up the Until Dawn series. Still playing with where I want to end it off, not sure if I’m ready to say goodbye to Zoë and the other characters just yet. Also, I might be doing a back-story for the Until Dawn series of the first Chosen, but that’s still on the shelf for now. I do have a handful of ideas jotted down for other novels, one of which would be told from a male character’s point of view. I’m really looking forward to diving into that one.

For now, readers can look forward to Until Dawn: Into the Dark, coming in Winter 2012!

Now, if you decide to read and review MULTIPLE books, that of course will get you more entries. As in multiplied entries.

Read and review two (2) books, you’ll get four (4) entries.

Three (3) books you say? Well then, you get six (6) entries.

You’ve managed four (4) books. Wow. Eight (8) entries.

All five (5)? Ten (10) entries it is!

So what are you waiting for?

*Minor details*

**You can post to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.If you have an Amazon.co.uk account, please post your review on Amazon.com as well*

If there are less than 10 reviews per book that come through in the contest the prize will be lowered to an iPod touch. This will be at the discretion of the organizers.

All reviews MUST be an Amazon Verified purchase (this lights up in green under your name on the review you leave) OR you must show a proof of purchase. In other words, no fake reviews please and thank you very much.

Only one (1) grand prize will be awarded

All reviews that would like to be entered into the contest MUST send in their link to their review at onedaybookpush@yahoo.caAny reviews that go live during this time period on Amazon that do not send in their links to the above email will NOT be entered into the draw.

Monday, September 17, 2012

This is the final book in my Celtic Legacy series, that
follows Quinn as she fights to save her little sister Ashling. Quinn battles her
fears, monsters dredged up from Irish Mythology and the pull of her heart
strings between two stunning men; one she’s prophesied to be with, the other
her heart can’t let go of.

Overview of “Dark Fae”

With Chaos free in the world, Quinn finally faces the truth. She
must kill the one she has spent her life trying to protect in order to save the
world. But with leader of the Tuatha against her, her own brother seeking her
blood and the world in upheaval, Quinn may not see the day that prophecy has
claimed will come to pass.

At least, not without a sword that no longer exists.

Praise for the Celtic Legacy Series . . .

"This
is a story of integrity, determination, sisterly bonds, and courage laced with
fear. The characters are multi-layered, and they come to life in Mayer's
skillful hands."

“Start with "Dark Waters", hang onto your hat through
"Dark Isle" then hold your breath waiting eagerly for the final
volume. I'm telling you, this series will take you to another, better place.
I'm going to read all of Ms. Mayer's stories. I'm a fan!”

“When I found out this was a trilogy, I had to go back and get
book one. Very good story and I literally could not put either book down.”

“Of the myriad fantasies I have read this summer, this one stands
out among the best. Shannon Mayer brings some very old magic into the modern
world, and the result is a wild ride through West Coast forest, the shining
Pacific and beyond. She creates characters we can care about in a setting we
can see, feel and smell.”

Riveting and fast-paced,
this short blockbuster will introduce you to Aurora Morelli and Kai Lawson, the
characters who are the stars of the Vegas Series.

In this novel, Aurora is
forced to accept one very difficult fact—she's lonesome for her partner Debbie.
An attack by a maniac put paid to their working together and Aurora is pissed.
She's out to get the madman who hurt her friend and God help anyone who gets in
her way.Therefore when a new partner is
forced on her, a bloody hotshot no less, the kind of dude she always stays as
far away from as possible, she's even more pissed.

This action–packed short is
humorous and will sweep you into the lives of these Las Vegas Detectives.

Short
Excerpt – Chapter One

So this is what missing
someone feels like. Kind of sad and lonely mashed together, eating away at you
all day long. Aurora had never felt this way before; wouldn’t have given
herself permission. This time the annoying ache refused to stop.

She seldom allowed gloomy
thoughts to grab hold and mess with her head. But looking around the small
office assigned to her and another, seeing the empty desk, sorrow gnawed away
until she gave in. Her old partner Deb left behind a hollow emptiness, a
sensation she wouldn’t ever admit to anyone else. What did you expect?
She chastised herself. Not having the person you trust more than anyone else in
the world backing you up sucked big time.

Two weeks ago, life had been
normal. She’d gone to get a cup of the sludge they called coffee and left
Debbie working on their backlog of case files. Returning to their office,
Lieutenant Cory Ashton had caught up with her and they’d stepped into the room
together, both coming to a dead stop. Debbie, who’d lately taken to the layered
look with sloppy clothes, had bent over to pick something up from the floor and
everything had draped open— her pregnant belly had been revealed for all to
see.

“You shot me!” Aurora is
incensed. Her new partner shrugs and answers. “I saved your life.” From the
very first page of this riveting story, these two battle for supremacy in
trying to catch the serial rapist who ripped both their lives apart. With all
her might, she fights the attraction to his baby blues that tease and start her
internal warning devices humming. After all, her job is her life and
determination has always been her lifeline.

Kai has a mission of honor
to undertake. The man who’d raped his sister can’t be allowed to live. After
all, she hadn’t! Revenge fills his soul while visions of his new partner fills
his heart. The sassy woman rattles his calm, and he can’t keep his hands to
himself. Doesn’t mean she has the power to stop him from doing what has to be
done.

“Dumb shit!” Aurora pushed
her new partner from hovering over her so she could sit up. “I didn't mean it.
I just wanted you to scare Rhondo.” She felt blood poring from the wound on her
arm and purposely kept her head turned away.

“Shooting you did scare him.
He let you go, didn't he?”

Aurora frowned at him. Why
did his voice have to sound so damn reasonable?

“What-ever!” She hoped her
scorn would get to him.

“Hey! I saw his eyes, you
didn’t.He had every intention of using
that knife. You know, the sharp one he had pressed against your throat. If I’d
shot him instead of you…” He shrugged.

Aurora shuddered, fighting
off nausea. She didn’t want to listen to reason. Being angry made the situation
a whole lot easier to deal with. Sarcasm, the best weapon she had in a macho
man's environment, replaced whining.

She glared at him and saw
his shapely eyebrows rise. The light of the bulb hanging from the ceiling of
the cruddy apartment haloed his head making the bare skin shine.“Just my frigging luck to end up with a
partner who thinks and looks like Bruce Willis."

Kai chuckled. Her glower put
a quick end to his merriment. He tried changing the subject with sweet talk.
"I've been told I have a nicely shaped head for being bald."

"Sure and it goes swell
with your baby-blue eyes." She sneered on purpose. No way would she admit
he did look good.

His response was a grunt of
displeasure. “Are you always this crabby?”

Disbelief shone in her
amazed expression. “Not at all…” She said, disdain evident. “…only when I’ve been
shot.”

"Vegas"
Contest Rules

(Sept 15 – Sept 30th)

1. Read the book called "Roll the
Dice".

2. Write an honest review for Amazon.

3. Send a copy of Amazon's notice to

mimibarbour@hotmail.com

Then…

you'll have a chance at being the lucky
winner of a

$50 Amazon Gift Certificate

I've purposely set the price of the book
down to $.99 for this contest and on Sept 19 & 20 it will be promoted in
the

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

This was my very FIRST Skype interview and to be fair, it was actually the second as the first got cut off in mid stride do to not 1, but 2 power outages! It was great fun, and I am looking forward to doing something like this on my own blog now . . . maybe writing tip each week via YouTube video . . .http://youtu.be/4K7x078IKmc

Now, if you decide to read
and review MULTIPLE books, that of course will get you more entries. As in
multiplied entries.

Read and review two (2) books, you’ll get four (4)
entries.

Three (3) books you say? Well then, you get six (6)
entries.

You’ve managed four (4) books. Wow. Eight (8) entries.

All five (5)? Ten (10) entries it is!

So what are you waiting for?

*Minor
details*

**You can post to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.
If you have an Amazon.co.uk account, please post your review on
Amazon.com as well*

If there are
less than 10 reviews per book that come through in the contest the prize will
be lowered to an iPod touch. This will be at the discretion of the organizers.

All reviews
MUST be an Amazon Verified purchase (this lights up in green under your name on
the review you leave) OR you must show a proof of purchase. In other words, no
fake reviews please and thank you very much.

Only one (1)
grand prize will be awarded

All reviews that would like
to be entered into the contest MUST send in their link to their review at onedaybookpush@yahoo.caAny reviews that go live during this time period on
Amazon that do not send in their links to the above email will NOT be entered
into the draw.